Rangers v Kilmarnock Betting Tip Under 2.5 goals – 20 February 2019

Another close game between Rangers and Killie expected

International Football Tips

ScotlandRangers v KilmarnockScotland
Wednesday 20th February 1945hrs 
Football – Scotland – Scottish Cup
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 10/11 (odds taken 18.40 GMT, Tuesday 19th February)

It may still be February, but the Scottish Cup replay between Rangers and Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Wednesday will already be the third meeting of the year between the two clubs and it has plenty of importance for their respective seasons.

Scottish Cup Betting at Marathon Bet

Rangers Preview

It’s been a trying 2019 so far for Rangers and their manager Steven Gerrard as they have slipped to eight points behind rivals Celtic at the top of the table. Having been level on points with the champions heading into the new year, optimism was high amongst those associated with the club that they could put a halt to Celtic’s domination but dropped points against both this opponent and, perhaps more surprisingly, at the weekend at home to St Johnstone which has left them now hoping for some favours from other clubs if they are to finish top of the pile. It is, however, looking more likely that their best hope of winning a trophy this season is in this competition. Gerrard’s men have not won a major trophy since 2011 and whilst this is his first season in charge, the expectation for the money he has spent is success. Two of his major signings – Steven Davis and Jermaine Defoe – have yet to justify their substantial wages and it’s unlikely either will start in what is now arguably their most important games of the season on Wednesday. One man who will be back though is top scorer Alfredo Morelos who – although suspended for an additional match – is able to play in this game and having drawn a blank in both games without him, Gerrard will be very welcoming of his return.

 

Key-Facts – Rangers v Kilmarnock

  • This Scottish Cup tie needed a replay following a goalless draw at Rugby Park earlier this month
  • Eight of the last 12 meetings between Rangers and Kilmarnock have had two or fewer goals
  • The winner of this game faces another difficult game away to Aberdeen in the next round

 

Kilmarnock Preview

The biggest compliment you can pay to Steve Clarke and his Kilmarnock team is that Rugby Park is fast becoming the most difficult away venue in Scotland after Celtic Park. In the past fortnight Killie have hosted Rangers and Celtic and would have kept two clean sheets had it not been for Scott Brown’s dramatic injury time equaliser on Sunday for the champions. In both games Clarke’s men denied their opposition from having too many chances and also looked to carry a threat of their own. They head into Wednesday’s reply at Ibrox know they can get a result there, too, having lost just once in their past four visits to Rangers. Their recent record in general against this opponent is excellent and it’s exactly a month since they defeated Gerrard’s men 2-1 in the league. Kilmarnock will be able to recall influential midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu who made his second debut for the club in the original match of this tie where he was given man of the match but was unable to play against his parent club. His composure and power from the middle of the park will be a big asset for the visitors tomorrow.

Rangers v Kilmarnock Betting Preview

When teams meet so frequently like Rangers and Kilmarnock have, especially in a short space of time, there is little in the way of surprises for either manager. Rangers will look to dominate the ball and press for an early goal whilst Kilmarnock will be happy to allow their opponents the ball but deny them any space in the danger areas. It’s a system that is so well drilled into the Ayrshire club that despite now having to play away from home in this replay, Clarke will not deviate from it. It also worked for them earlier in the season when they got a deserved point in the league meeting at Ibrox.

Rangers will be frustrated at missing a penalty in the first game but it was a match that contained few goalscoring chances and this game could well be similar. Morelos returning is a big help for Rangers’ attacking fortunes but the visitors are just very good at what they do and can stifle the best teams. Eight of the last 12 meetings between these two clubs have contained two or fewer goals and I’m bank on another close contest on Wednesday.